My name is Amber, and I am a past Participant at Project Self-Sufficiency. I am a single mom of four boys and pursuing my bachelor’s in Business Management.

I first learned about Project Self-Sufficiency in 2012, when I got the courage to leave my abusive ex-husband.

Applying for Project Self-Sufficiency

But the first time I applied, I wasn’t accepted into the program. I was heartbroken, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened; I wasn’t quite ready for the changes that I needed to make in my life.

Then, in 2015, I was leaving another abusive relationship and realized that I relied on a partner to support me emotionally and financially. This realization led me to seek out Project Self-Sufficiency once again.

The difference from my first application was that I was very aware that I needed to make significant changes to break this cycle. Thankfully, I was accepted into the program and began my journey with Nicole, my Advisor. With her guidance and support, my life has completely changed.

Though it hasn’t been without challenges. I have worked hard to overcome significant obstacles, stay resilient, and find the positive as I pursue my educational and career goals of self-sufficiency.

Career Exploration

During the program’s career exploration portion, I became drawn to a position with the County, which would allow me to support my family as I went back to school. I got the job, but I was left confused when my monthly reviews were less than stellar since this was very unlike me. I was upfront with Nicole about the situation, and she worked with me through every write up I received to see what changes I needed to make. After just less than six months, they fired me.

As I sat sobbing in my car, scared that I would lose my housing and not have the income needed to provide for my children, I immediately called Nicole.

She was immensely supportive, talked me through the next steps and how to move forward. Together we came up with a game plan. She looked through my resume, made suggestions, and off I went to apply for, no joke, over 100 jobs!

After almost three months, I saw a position for an administrative assistant at an HOA management company.

Even though I worried I was underqualified, my confidence and selfpower had grown during my time in the program, and I knew I could learn just about anything they threw at me.

Well, I landed that job, and within six months, I earned a promotion to an assistant community manager.

And then I set my sights to become an HOA manager. After about a year of experience, and with Nicole’s encouragement, I applied for, and was awarded a Project Self-Sufficiency scholarship, which afforded me the funds needed to take the online course and tests required to earn my HOA Manager license.

Never once did Nicole doubt me. She encouraged me and reminded me of my worth every step of the way.

Graduation and Next Steps

With my position as an HOA Manager, my income became high enough and steady enough for me to graduate from Project Self-Sufficiency.

And, in May of 2020, I decided to make a career change into business management. I found an open position, but I worried I was underqualified. Sound familiar? Well, with the confidence and tenacity I gained at Project Self-Sufficiency and skills I learned as an HOA manager, I decided to apply. And I landed the job!

From the time I started my journey with Project Self-Sufficiency, I have over doubled my income, am no longer on any assistance, own a home, pay all my bills on time, save for retirement, and still have disposable income.

If my children need a haircut, school pictures, or want to play a sport, I can afford it. I am no longer worried about having enough money to buy food or pay for my vehicle’s upkeep.

Project Self-Sufficiency helped me break a cycle of poverty and abuse for my children and me by providing mental, emotional, and financial support.

The donors and volunteers who make this program possible are a lifeline to so so many. Your investment of time and resources for my family and me has paid off tenfold.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all your support! I couldn’t have done this without you!